Austin rewards clear signage. The City also regulates it closely. This guide breaks down Austin sign permit requirements in plain language. You will see what needs a permit, what the City expects in a submittal, how fees work, how inspections close out your permit, and how to avoid corrections. You will also learn how a local sign company can carry the load so your project moves from concept to activation with less friction.
Do you need a permit
Most exterior business signage in Austin needs a City sign permit. The City defines a sign broadly as any display or device that directs attention to a business, service, event, or product on a site. That includes wall signs, awning graphics, cabinet and channel letters, projecting signs, roof signs, and freestanding features like monument or pole signs.
Some items are not treated as signs. Vehicle graphics that are part of normal operation do not fall under the sign code. Short term displays inside the building that are not visible from outside usually do not need a sign permit. The City maintains a list of exempt sign types in Chapter 25 10. You can review the overview, exemptions pointer, step by step workflow, and a warning about bandit signs on the City Sign Permits page at austintexas.gov.
What is or is not a sign
Exterior on premise business identification is a sign. Advertising faces that can be seen from the right of way are signs. Temporary yard placards placed in the public right of way are illegal bandit signs. Those can draw removal and fines. Items inside a tenant space that cannot be seen from the street are typically not signs. Building paint or architectural color fields are not signs. Vehicles parked for daily business use are not signs. When in doubt, treat any message that faces the street as a sign until the City confirms otherwise.
Common exemption scenarios
You may not need a permit for very small wall plaques, interior menu boards out of public view, or holiday decorations that are up briefly. Construction site safety placards can be exempt in some cases. The exemption list sits in the sign code. Always confirm before fabrication begins. A quick review early can save time later if an exemption does not apply after all.
Know your sign district
Austin uses sign districts to set size, height, and number of signs per site. Your district drives the rules for area, placement, height, and number of faces. Confirm the district first. Your design will flow from that choice.
Use the City tool
The City provides a Sign District Determination Tool linked from the Sign Permits page. Enter the site address. The map will flag the sign district and any overlays. Keep a copy of that result for your file. Every calculation that follows will rely on that call.
Commercial vs expressway vs downtown
Most retail corridors sit in the Commercial Sign District. A common control there limits total wall sign area to a share of the first fifteen feet of facade height. City Board of Adjustment staff material cites a cap of up to twenty percent of that first band of facade in commercial districts. Freestanding signs in commercial areas also carry height and area limits that scale with street frontage. Very wide parcels can qualify for an extra freestanding sign once frontage exceeds four hundred feet. Multi street frontage can open additional options. You can see typical dimensional references pulled from the Land Development Code sections within BOA agendas at this staff packet.
The Expressway Corridor Sign District allows taller freestanding features and larger faces than standard commercial corridors. That district targets high speed roadways where legibility needs grow with speed and distance. See a BOA packet that summarizes those allowances at this agenda. Downtown overlays and historic areas can carry tighter controls on area, lighting, and placement. Treat those as early design drivers, not late corrections.
Submission requirements
The City publishes submittal checklists by sign type. Match the list before you upload to the AB plus C portal. Complete packets move faster. Missing seals or plans trigger corrections that add weeks.
Freestanding, roof, projecting
Submittals for freestanding, roof, and projecting signs must include sealed structural drawings by a Texas Professional Engineer or a Texas licensed architect. The package must show the support frame, connections, wind load, and any base or footing. A site plan must show property lines, setbacks, driveways, utilities, and the distance to the street. Add frontage measurements and calculations for allowed advertising area. Provide elevations that show height from grade and clearance over sidewalks where relevant. If the face sits near the right of way, confirm it stays on private property unless you have a right of way license.
For a quick primer on exterior sign options that fit freestanding categories, see our Austin monument and exterior signs page at Austin Sign Co. We tailor the structure and footing details to meet City loads, soil, and wind exposure.
Wall and awning
Wall signs and awning graphics require attachment and anchorage details. Show fastener type, spacing, and material. Provide a facade photo or elevation with dimensions. Label every existing sign on that elevation. Account for the total area against the district cap. Include an electrical layout if the wall sign uses LED modules or neon. For a deeper look at typical storefront letters, see our channel letters guide at storefront channel letters. If you already know you want custom channel letters, you can start a request on our form at Channel Lettering.
Awnings require a building permit for the structure itself. The City will not issue the awning sign permit until the building permit is on record. Submit the awning building permit first, then pursue the awning sign permit after that approval lands.
How to apply
Austin treats sign permitting as a contractor driven process. The applicant needs an Outdoor Advertising Contractor registration on file. The application and all inspections live in the City’s online portal.
OAC registration and insurance
Register as an Outdoor Advertising Contractor before you file. Provide a certificate of insurance that names the City of Austin as additional insured. The City will not process a sign permit application until that step is complete. You can read the full step by step on the City Sign Permits page at austintexas.gov.
AB plus C submission
File the application in the Austin Build plus Connect portal. The City lists sign permit types as Awning, Freestanding, Projecting, Roof, and Wall. You can create the record, upload plan sheets, and add contacts online. Access the AB plus C applications page at austintexas.gov.
Pay the review fee
Pay the review fee to start staff review. The City will not route the submittal until payment clears. After payment, watch the portal for status changes or review comments. Post clear responses with revised sheets labeled to match comment numbers. Fast responses shorten the loop.
Fees to budget
The City posts sign permit fees in a Development Services fee schedule. The figures below were effective October first of 2024. A technology surcharge of about four to six percent can apply to various fees in the schedule. Always check the current PDF before you submit.
Base review fees
Freestanding, roof, and projecting signs carry a base review fee of 127.60 dollars. Wall signs and awnings carry a base review fee of 64.30 dollars. Signs in a Historic District add a historic sign review fee of 61.20 dollars. Billboard relocation requests carry a base fee of 371.70 dollars. The schedule also lists the City Outdoor Advertising Sign License base fee and the annual renewal fee for off premise businesses. You can view the current official fee PDF at austintexas.gov.
Other fees you might see
Projects in the right of way can trigger license or encroachment fees. Work in a Historic District can add design review fees. Technical code surcharges apply to many transactions. Electrical permits attach to any sign that uses electricity. Budget for the electrical permit and inspection if your sign lights up at night. Our neon and LED team can consult on power loads, UL listings, and City expectations. See examples at custom neon and LED signs.
Timelines
A clean, complete submittal can move in days rather than weeks. Complex sites move slower. You can track your permit in AB plus C at every stage. City review times across Development Services have been improving. The City describes review windows in business days to weeks depending on scope and workload. See the context on commercial review performance at austintexas.gov.
What to expect during review
After you pay the intake fee the record will show Routing. A plans examiner will post comments if anything is missing. You can message the reviewer inside the portal. Upload revised sheets with a brief comment response letter. Once approved, the City will issue the sign permit and any linked electrical permit if the sign uses power. If your project is on hold due to a right of way license, work with Land Development Engineering early. You can find the contact page at austintexas.gov.
Expedited coordination
Large campuses or mixed use buildings sometimes run sign packages alongside building permits. Expedited Building Plan Review exists for certain building scopes. That program does not explicitly cover sign permits, yet it can shorten related review for new structures that host signs. Early coordination with reviewers can also cut time. We often schedule pre application calls for complex downtown or historic projects. That small step can prevent multiple correction rounds later.
Inspections and final
Activation depends on the type of sign. Some permits finalize on approval in the portal. Others require field inspections before activation. The City posts inspection scheduling expectations on the Building Inspections page at austintexas.gov. Also note that Austin’s 2024 Technical Codes took effect on July 10, 2025. Any new permit after that date must meet those codes. You can see the code adoption notice at austintexas.gov.
Electrical signs and the 303 inspection
When a sign uses internal lighting or external lighting, the City automatically creates an electrical permit once the sign permit is approved. Only a registered Electrical Sign Contractor can activate that permit in AB plus C. That contractor schedules the 303 Electrical Sign inspection to close the record. The inspector will look for correct conductor sizes, grounding, disconnects, labeling, and UL markings. We schedule this inspection for our clients at the proper stage to avoid return trips.
Non illuminated signs
Signs without electricity finalize in the portal upon approval. No field inspection occurs for those. Keep a copy of the approved plans on site during installation, since code enforcement staff can visit job sites at any time.
Special cases
Some signs touch programs outside of Development Services. Others trigger extra reviews because of where they sit or what they do. Know these early to avoid surprises.
Street banners
Street banners are managed by the Austin Transportation department rather than Development Services. The program supports charitable or community activities. Commercial or political advertising is not allowed. The City posts application instructions and typical program fees on the Street Banners page at austintexas.gov. This program covers over street banners and lamppost banners. Our team can fabricate approved materials and help you meet size and attachment specs for each corridor.
Right of way encroachments
Projecting signs that extend over a sidewalk or any support in the right of way may need a License Agreement or a permanent Encroachment Agreement. Permanent encroachments can require Council approval and set fees. Start that conversation early with Land Development Engineering at austintexas.gov. We coordinate those requests when a design cannot work without a slight reach into the public way.
Historic properties and overlays
Historic Landmarks and properties inside a local historic district carry extra design oversight. Expect reviews of materials, lighting levels, and placement in relation to historic fabric. Period appropriate type and mounting often help. We share practical tips in our guide to historic storefront signage at Historic Storefronts. A small shift in color temperature or cabinet depth can satisfy both the code and the design board.
Variances and appeals
Sometimes a literal read of the sign code creates hardship. Unique site geometry, sloping terrain, or existing trees can block visibility that other lots enjoy. A sign variance request goes to the Board of Adjustment. The BOA meets on a regular cadence with posted filing deadlines. Staff from Development Services can guide you through submittal formatting for the hearing. Forms and contact information sit on the BOA support page at austintexas.gov. Our team prepares variance exhibits that explain the hardship and propose a balanced fix.
Off premise and digital billboards
Austin prohibits new off premise billboards. The City also restricts conversion of existing off premise boards to digital. That framework was tested in the Supreme Court case City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising. The Court upheld Austin’s on premise and off premise distinction in 2022. You can read the opinion at law.cornell.edu with local coverage at The Texas Tribune. This context matters if you are considering a digital face on a highway sign that advertises off site goods or services. On premise electronic faces follow a different path and must meet brightness, dwell time, and location rules in the code.
Common pitfalls
Many delays trace back to the same set of mistakes. A short review of these can save time and money.
Do not skip Outdoor Advertising Contractor registration or the certificate of insurance. The portal will block your application until that file sits on record. Do not omit a Texas PE or architect seal for freestanding, roof, or projecting signs. Do not forget footing or attachment details in the structural set. Map the correct sign district before you design. Districts change size and height outcomes in dramatic ways. Keep total wall sign area within the facade cap for your district. The twenty percent cap in commercial corridors is easy to blow past on tall facades if you count all existing faces. Treat any power supply as a trigger for the electrical permit and the 303 Electrical Sign inspection. Never place a sign in the right of way without a license or encroachment approval. Never place bandit signs on medians, utility poles, or corners. File the building permit for an awning before you request the awning sign permit.
How a sign company helps
Most business owners do not have time to study code sections. A local sign partner can front load code work. That improves the first round submission and trims weeks off the schedule.
We start with a pre design code check. We confirm the sign district and any overlays. We measure frontage and map facade area limits. We review landlord criteria. We mock up scaled faces that fit the code and the lease. For wall signs we prepare attachment details that match real world field conditions. For freestanding features we deliver sealed structural plans and a site plan that hits City checklist items. We also manage the Outdoor Advertising Contractor credentials for you.
We create the AB plus C record, upload plans, and pay the review fee. We track the record and respond to comments with clear revisions. If the sign needs power, we activate the electrical permit through a registered Electrical Sign Contractor. We schedule the 303 inspection at the right moment. If a projecting feature touches the right of way, we coordinate a License Agreement or a permanent Encroachment Agreement. If your site sits in a historic overlay, we guide color, materials, and mounting that pass review without losing brand clarity.
We back our permitting with fabrication depth. That allows one team to carry your sign from code check to installation. You can learn about our company at Austin Sign Co. If you already know your letter style, start with our channel letter request. If you want a monument or exterior feature, visit our monument and exterior signs page. For glowing accents or classic looks, see custom neon and LED. Our team can carry the process so you can focus on running your business.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a wall sign in Austin
In most cases yes. The City treats exterior wall signage as a sign that needs a permit. Some small signs can be exempt under Chapter 25 10. Review the City’s Sign Permits overview for details at austintexas.gov.
How much are Austin sign permit fees
Current base review fees as of October 2024 are 127.60 dollars for freestanding, roof, and projecting signs and 64.30 dollars for wall and awning signs. Historic sign review adds 61.20 dollars. Billboard relocation carries 371.70 dollars. A technology surcharge of about four to six percent can apply. See the official PDF at austintexas.gov.
How long do sign permits take
Many submittals move in business days to a few weeks. Time varies with workload and the quality of the initial packet. Track status and comments in the AB plus C portal at austintexas.gov. The City reports continuing improvements in review times across programs.
Do street banners require a sign permit
Street banners use a separate City program run by Transportation. They support community or charitable content. Commercial and political content is not allowed. Fees and forms are posted at austintexas.gov.
Can I convert a billboard to digital
New off premise billboards are prohibited. Digital conversion of existing off premise boards is restricted. The Supreme Court upheld Austin’s on premise and off premise distinction in 2022. See law.cornell.edu and The Texas Tribune. On premise electronic displays follow a different section of the code.
Who hears sign variances
The Board of Adjustment hears sign variances. Meeting schedules, forms, and staff contacts appear on the BOA support page at austintexas.gov.
What is the 303 Electrical Sign inspection
It is the inspection that closes out the electrical permit for any sign that uses power. Only a registered Electrical Sign Contractor can activate the linked permit and schedule that inspection in AB plus C.
Are bandit signs legal
No. Temporary signs placed in the public right of way are illegal. The City can remove them and issue fines. Keep all signs on private property unless you have a right of way license or encroachment approval.
Final tips
Start with the sign district. Map frontage and facade area limits. Build the design around those controls. Collect sealed structural drawings for any freestanding, roof, or projecting feature. Provide anchorage and facade documentation for wall signs. File as an Outdoor Advertising Contractor with insurance that names the City. Submit through AB plus C and pay the review fee to start. Expect an electrical permit for any sign with power. Close it with the 303 Electrical Sign inspection. Avoid the right of way unless you hold a license or a permanent encroachment. Respect historic overlays. Ask for a variance when a true hardship exists.
If you want a single point of contact from code check through installation, we can help. Austin Sign Co has delivered hundreds of compliant signs across the metro. Send a quick note with your address and a photo of the storefront. We will run the district check, review limits, and propose a clean path to permit. Reach our team at Contact Austin Sign Co.